3 people, 3 questions

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Posted on June 14, 2022 by MCOB

MCOB

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Gwen Pennywell
Interim Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs

What are you reading? 

A novel called The Only Woman in the Room. I've always been a fan of Hedy Lamarr movies. When I learned that her patents are a foundation for today's wireless technology, I wanted to know more.

Who is inspiring you?

My daughter. Diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type I at birth, her life has been a series of surgeries, medical procedures, and developmental delays. Yet, she starts each day with an inner strength and determination that I find awe-inspiring. She can find joy in minor things. She reminds me to focus on what is truly important and take the time to enjoy the journey.

What is your favorite part of the day?

10:30 PM. I know it sounds sappy, but my dad and I watched Perry Mason together every night. When I went off to college, we kept the tradition up. Now that he is gone, I continue to do so. It comes on at 10:30 PM. I love the show and the memories it evokes.

Sam Penque
Finance and Pre-Medicine Major

What are you reading? 

Currently, I am reading "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. This book has a lot of good life lessons that will lead anyone to success.

Who is inspiring you?

The person that inspires me the most is my father. He always figures out how to fix something or make a situation better. He is reserved and cool even when the times are tough. I hope to be half the man that he is.

What is your favorite part of the day?

Mornings are my favorite part of the day. It can define whether the day will be good or bad. Whether you will be ambitious or not. Whether you will be smiling or not. I do the same routine every morning: I wake up and make my bed, work out, read for thirty minutes, and have the same breakfast as every other morning. 

Jana Stupavsky
Assistant Director, SABRE - South Alabama Center for Business Analytics, Real Estate and Economic Development

What are you reading?

As a mother, full-time employee, and a Ph.D. student, time and energy for casual reading have been scarce lately, but if I find both, I typically choose one of the three books, depending on the mood: 1. Avoiding Data Pitfalls by Ben Jones 2. Hold on to your Kids by Neufeld and Mate 3. Any cookbook with lots of pictures by Nigella Lawson. 

Who is inspiring you?

Typically, those I meet who are less fortunate than me, particularly in terms of family, relationships, or health. Those who, despite everything, choose to stay positive and humble. There are many reasons to complain nowadays, but attitude is a choice and those who choose to stay positive and optimistic despite difficulties, inspire me and I seek out and enjoy their company.

What is your favorite part of the day? 

Since quiet early mornings with my husband are rare now, we enjoy later mornings, when we walk my oldest child to school. It’s a 15-20 minute pause in the middle of a busy morning, when others rush and we enjoy ordinary things, like greeting the same people on their morning walks, finding sticks, poking bushes with them, watching progress on a house being built on our route or admiring pretty front yards.  

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